Ryde Rowing Club competitors produced a series of strong performances at the BTC Spring Head in Southampton.
Racing took place over the 5,000m head course on the River Itchen on Saturday 21st February 2026, with events split across 2 divisions and attracting a competitive regional entry.
In Division One, Ryde Rowing Club fielded 2 Novice Coastal Scullers. Charlie Watts secured 2nd place in his section with a time of 20:31, while Isaac Gibson finished 4th in 23:28.
Division Two saw a significant outing for the club, with a Women’s Eight competing in a Hants & Dorset ARA event for the first time as preparation for their forthcoming entry into the Women’s Eights Head of the River Race on the Tideway in March 2026.
The London event is recognised as the largest women’s rowing race in the world and uniquely allows novice crews to compete alongside Olympic champions. It will mark the first time a Ryde crew has entered the prestigious race.
The Ryde Women’s Eight at BTC comprised Abi Locke, Lisa Murphy, Eva Gordon, Abi Bird, Alexis Owen, Fiona Owen, Emily Kellerman and Stella Baisley, with Ruby Read coxing. The crew completed the course in 20:22 to finish 5th.
Also racing in Division Two was an Open River Coxed Four of Paddy Kearney, Joe Roberts, Will Hall and Charlie Watts, with Mai Read coxing. They produced an impressive performance to win their event in 17:51.
The club also had 2 single scullers competing. River Novice Sculler Lars Groothuis finished 6th in 23:26, while Max Locke, racing in a J16 Coastal Scull against limited opposition, won his section in 23:39.
The results represent a positive early-season showing as the club builds towards key spring fixtures on both coastal and river circuits.
